Next lens purchase
Jun 24, 2014 07:02:50 #
Martin50
Loc: Atlanta
I am a fairly new to photography and purchased a Canon T3 kit in the past year. The kit contained a 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 lens and a 75-300mm F/4-5.6 lens. I would like to purchase a better lens and am not sure what to get. I enjoy shooting mostly outdoors (i.e. landscape, cityscapes, historic buildings) and also have a trip to the Grand Canyon coming up. What direction should I go for under $300?
Jun 24, 2014 07:10:47 #
I don't shoot Canon, but I don't think you are going to find a new lens that is better than the 2 you have now for $300.00.
Jun 24, 2014 07:11:25 #
I started out just like you. The 18-55 is a reasonable lens, but I found the 75-300 questionable. The first lens I added was a Tamron 18-200... I'd recommend this, or maybe the 18-270mm Tamron. Also, looked in the Used department of either Adorama or B&H. Have a great trip.
Jun 24, 2014 07:56:55 #
Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Model A14E) - $199.00 New at Amazon.com. I own the Canon version of this lens (more than $300.00) and it is my walkaround lens on my Canon 7D. The range has a little bit of everything (except very long telephoto).
Jun 24, 2014 09:42:09 #
Martin50
Loc: Atlanta
Thanks for the educated input. Any thoughts on a 50mm f/1.4? I have a friend that swears by his.
Jun 24, 2014 18:32:32 #
In your price range I'd look for a used model of Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. You'll enjoy this zoom on your trip. Your current 18-55 will be fine for wide angle work for most all situations except very low light. Look at KEH.com for the zoom.
Jun 25, 2014 07:05:49 #
You asked what direction you should go for under $ 300. The only direction is called mediocrity. If you're remotely concerned about quality 300 bucks is nowhere near enough. You would be well-advised to save your pennies and invest in quality. It's once in a lifetime investment. Take care of your equipment and they'll take care of you. I'm speaking from nearly four decades of personal experiences. I have a Tamron SP 17-35mm, a Nikon 28-300 and a Sigma 120-400; and I'm very happy with them. They're among the best lenses ever made.
Jun 25, 2014 08:44:11 #
Also, If you are not adverse to refurbised and/or used check ebay for a possible deal... I just got a Tamron 200-400 F4 for $99.00. Granted it's not the newest model (200-500 F4), but it's is better than what I had and I can use it to decide if I want to make the plunge and get the newest one for $1500.00. Word of advice.. Newest is not always better especially if the older version fits your style of shooting better.
Just a thought? :-)
Just a thought? :-)
Jun 25, 2014 08:51:46 #
Not trying to be mean, but if you want better glass, you should save up a little longer and get a 2.8 lens, probably a 24-70 2.8 (wouldn't need VR for the shorter focal lenght, and fast glass) At $300 you are really just going to be purchasing more of the same of what you have. Variations of kit lenses.
Jun 25, 2014 08:56:53 #
Martin50
Loc: Atlanta
Not being mean at all. I wanted honest and valuable feedback. Thank you all for helping.
Jun 25, 2014 09:05:14 #
I found that I was better off only buying full frame lenses. They may be a little more costly, they are going to grow with you. The Tamron lenses are in my mind a great lens and a good price. Good luck and have fun.
Jun 25, 2014 11:48:09 #
$300.00 for a better lens is really not very much. But, for you may want to look at the new Canon EF-S 10-18mm ultra wide angle lens. I think it cost just about what you have to spend. That lens will take some great landscape shots on your trip. Be sure you use it with good lighting, and you'll be fine. KEH.com is your friend in your situation. Look for a good used lens, maybe a Canon EF-S 10-22. I know that lens very good, it is my go to lens for wide angle landscape on my 7D. Good Luck, and have a great trip.
B
B
Jun 25, 2014 15:36:24 #
My suggestion, especially if you are relatively new to photography is keep what you have and save up for a lens at a later date. Kit lenses can get a bad rap but just starting out they are perfect.
Give yourself an opportunity to learn your camera, the settings, shooting in all the different modes. After some time shooting you may have a better idea of where your true interests lie. You may find that you love shooting birds and wildlife or maybe street photography or portraits.
Don't spend money now on something you may not need later.
Have fun!
Give yourself an opportunity to learn your camera, the settings, shooting in all the different modes. After some time shooting you may have a better idea of where your true interests lie. You may find that you love shooting birds and wildlife or maybe street photography or portraits.
Don't spend money now on something you may not need later.
Have fun!
Jun 25, 2014 22:04:14 #
First on your list - polarizing filters for your lenses. Then, maybe consider putting your $300 toward rental equipment for your trip, and (or) photography class(es) to learn how to better use the equipment you have and to help you decide what to buy next.
Have FUN on your trip - there's a LOT to see there, and the surrounding area. Do get below the rim of the Canyon and spend enough time there to really see the Canyon in all its glory, plan to see at the very least a sunrise & a sunset.
Be sure to post pix when you return, too.
Have FUN on your trip - there's a LOT to see there, and the surrounding area. Do get below the rim of the Canyon and spend enough time there to really see the Canyon in all its glory, plan to see at the very least a sunrise & a sunset.
Be sure to post pix when you return, too.
Jun 25, 2014 22:06:30 #
The 70-300 I suggested is for sale this evening for the $300 amount. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-222085-1.html There's another priced higher (too much I think). That second posting includes links to reviews that should help in your confidence in this model.
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